IRAN: EMPIRE OF THE MIND (PB)

Iran often appears in the media as a hostile and difficult country. But beneath the headlines there is a fascinating story of a nation of great intellectual variety and depth, and enormous cultural importance. In this essential guide to understanding a complicated land, Michael Axworthy traces a vivid, integrated account of Iran's past from the time of the prophet Zoroaster to the powerful ancient Persian Empires, the revolution of 1979, the hostage crisis and current president Mahmud Ahmadinejad. This updated 2nd edition includes a postscript by Ali Ansari.